World Cup mountain bike event at Fort William this weekend

Final preparations being made for top mountain biking event at Fort William

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup gets underway this weekend and today the finish line was constructed where around 20,000 fans will gather to see over 300 riders from 28 different countries race for world cup glory.

All the big names have arrived, with Brits Danny Hart, Manon Carpenter, Tracy Moseley, Marc Beaumont, Steve Peat and the Atherton family (Gee, Rachel and Dan) all setting up camp in the pit area alongside the likes of Tracey Hannah (Australia), Greg Minaar (USA) and World Cup leader Aaron Gwin (South Africa).

Mike Jardine, from event organisers Rare Management, said: “The track is looking great, the World Cup Village is taking shape and all the top riders are raring to go.

“Fort William has had the best weather in the whole of the UK recently, so the conditions are perfect for some fast runs and some intense battles on the course. We’re all looking forward to a really exciting World Cup weekend.”

Tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup are available to purchase on the day from the on-site ticket office priced from £8 for 6-17 year olds, £15 for adults and family packages (2 adults and 1-4 children) just £38.

In addition to the non-stop sporting action on the course this weekend, there are loads of family-friendly activities on offer, all adding to the incredible festival atmosphere that makes the multi award-winning Fort William World Cup weekend so special.

As part of the Year of Creative Scotland celebrations, fans will see and experience the best of digital media interactivity in the Creative Scotland Digital Hub.

Some of Scotland’s most exciting bands will also be in town as the ‘Downhill Downtown’ music festival kicks-off on Friday and Saturday night, playing host to King Creosote, The Phantom Band, Admiral Fallow, Stanley Odd, Bwani Junction and many more.

Tickets to Downhill Downtown (Friday and Saturday night) start at £6 (Friday) and £15 (Saturday) with weekend tickets from £17.50. Discounts are available to Mountain Bike World Cup ticket holders. Check out www.downhilldowntown.com for more info.